If anyone was anticipating a Mountain Top/ Interest Camps post here, that will have to wait. Because during this past week, a friend/brother in Christ passed away tragically at a young age. His name was Narang "David" Kim. But this post is not to mourn a loss, but rather to celebrate a life that was devoted to Jesus Christ.
When I first met David four years ago, I was sort of intimidated by his appearance. He was a bigger guy then and had a frohawk. My good friend Thomas introduced me to him and I really didn't know what to expect. Before I could introduce myself, he already started cracking jokes and then with a big smile, reached out his hand and said "Hi I'm David Kim. Nice to meet you bro." I had only known him for a minute and he used the word "bro" in a sincere way rather than the way someone would use the word "dude." I could tell he was special.
I didn't get to see him as much as I liked over the years, but every time I did, he made me feel special whether he intended to or not. It was hard to be in a bad mood around that bright, big smile. He always had a classiness about him with a hint of sophistication. He was also always dressed well, as if to be prepared for a special occasion to arise at any moment. David was also not afraid to let his heart for Jesus Christ glow.
I don't have that many memories of David because of the little time I knew him, but the ones I have are some of the most precious and bring me to tears when I reflect upon them.
The first one comes from 2010 when some of us Cleveland bros decided to visit the saints in Buffalo, NY. We were all going bowling one night and I had the opportunity to ride with David in his car. We were catching up, talking about life and even how we were doing spiritually. I don't remember much of that conversation, but the one thing I do remember was him telling me of how he gave his atheist friend a bible for his/her birthday. That friend meant so much to him that he was willing to set aside his fears and try to bring this person to the greatest gift man could ever receive: the salvation of Jesus Christ. It took guts to do what he did and at that point in my life, I don't know if I could have done that.
A year or so later, the brothers from Buffalo were coming down to Columbus and decided to stop in Cleveland along the way. We were all hanging out, laughing, joking, talking about guy stuff when someone was explaining what he would do in a situation and David was asked what he would do and he replied with "Just follow the Lord bro. That's it." He took a semi-serious situation and responded in a surprising, but meaningful way. That was David.
The last time I saw him was in August of 2012 at James and Allison's wedding. We were in a circle of friends and were all talking, laughing, and just enjoying the moment. You know the saying "The life of the party?" David was the life of the circle that day.
I also found out that David enjoyed some country music and me, being a big fan of country music am always overjoyed when I know another guy who enjoys it even if it's only a little.
David's heart was big and the amount of love posted on his facebook wall after his passing shows the extent of his love with all the lives he touched. My prayer is that anyone who knew David and you are reading this and you still have not received the Lord Jesus Christ, just look at the life David lived and how his life touched you. That's because he lived the greatest life, the life of Jesus Christ. With that belief, he is now home with the Lord at peace and waiting for the rest of us.
David, my friend, but more importantly brother in Christ, you will be missed greatly, but I shed not tears of sadness but tears of joy knowing that you are truly home and for the life you lived in Christ. Until we meet again my brother, thanks for being able to call me friend.
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Weathering the Storm and Witnessing Miracles: JHC Edition
This was my 10th year (in a row) at Jr. High Camp, 9th serving. The question at hand is why do I keep coming back? What makes me give up a week of my summer to wake up before 8AM every morning and not go to sleep until 11PM every night? What causes me to sleep in a building with no bedding, no AC, two bathrooms with curtains on the stalls, packed with 50 boys, the majority being smelly, loud, obnoxious jr. highers? It's because I was once one myself and there were others before me who served me. Also because these kids need someone besides their parents to lead them towards Christ.
The goal of the week was to find the Lord. That was the challenge everyone was given especially the jr. high. Jesse gave the opening message which covered the Lord calling Samuel with the call to "Get Up" just like Samuel. They did just that. Bright and early before 7AM the jr. highers in my room were up and restless. Plus I lacked sleep from the heat of the night. I thought this was going to be a long week.
I don't know how it happens, but every year it seems I get stuck with the boys who don't like memorizing verses, who are quiet in small groups, have an extremely hard time listening, but by the end of the week, good things happen that surprise even me.
Rain was a threat throughout the week because it was supposed to be pouring all week. But come Monday morning we all woke up to a blue sky and sunshine. Things seemed promising until during our first activity, which was kickball, the rain started coming down. I asked the girls if they wanted to keep playing and to my surprise they said yes. In 10 minutes the rain stopped and it was sunny the rest of the day. The rain played a huge factor in something special, but I will get back to that later.
By Monday evening I was dead tired and ready to go to bed, but there was still a whole meeting and musical chairs left to go. One thing about the meeting that is different is that it is filled with young kids who aren't embarrassed to let themselves go. They will scream, run around, do conga lines, stand on their chairs, and just go crazy, yet the Spirit of the Lord is also there the presence was strong. Seeing the kids enjoying the Lord was quite refreshing.
Tuesday rolled by with another sunny morning that lasted until approximately 7:30PM. Then the rains came for the rest of the evening. I grew a few extra arms and legs as jr. highers liked to latch onto me.
Wednesday I saw one quiet boy in my group become more talkative and he participated greatly in the pray-reading session. Wednesday was also the long anticipated day of Capture the Flag. In the first half hour, minor injuries such as cuts, bumps, and scrapes began to pile up, but nothing major. This was my first year as a non-participant in CTF because I was the referee with the bullhorn (which I happily used frequently throughout the week to my delight and some others' dismay). I didn't mind so much because I got to go freely all over the camp and witness all the action first hand. The game eventually ended in a draw.
One highlight of today was that I told one boy to stand up during the singing when everyone else was and he said "Fine, but I'm not singing." I told him that was fine and that I just wanted him to stand up. In less than 10 minutes he was on top of his chair singing...got em!
Thursday morning came like a lion, pouring epic amounts of rain on the camp. It was also the day of the Olympics. I gave my message this morning on how the Christian life is a fight. This life isn't easy. The world will throw everything at you, demons will turn people against you, sin will infest and overtake you and giants will rise up in your path. But as long as you have the Lord and put your faith in Him, the world will fade, demons will flee, the devil will cower, and giants will fall.
This was the first year in the last 10 that the first part of the Olympics were held in doors. A bit of a change, but did not vanquish the allure of the games. The boys took the infamous Tug-O-War, but the girls won overall by a score of 15-14.
The rains eventually subsided around 3:00 with a little drizzle here or there throughout the rest of the day. We gave the kids an hour and a half of free time and I had a blast playing two on one b-ball with Luke Wang and William Liu, which led to some crazy put-put and some cool chit-chat. During the actual rest time, I walked up towards the bonfire sight to check the trail and spend some time with the Lord. One of the things I talked to Him about was holding off the rain and not taking this experience away from the jr. highers. Because 9 years ago, that bonfire at jr. high camp was where I had one of my first experiences of touching the Lord.
9:30 came upon us and I was one of the first people up to the fire. At the time there was a light drizzle, but nothing too bad. Then as the very last camper arrived, it started pouring. I thought in my heart "Why are you doing this Lord? Why now?" With that thought upon my heart, suddenly, everyone around the fire began crying out to the Lord, just as Samuel did for the Israelites all those years ago. Within a few minutes, the rain ceased completely and the stars came out. A "Thank You Jesus" chant then arose and that nasty rain never showed his face again that night. Those kids, including myself, witnessed a miracle and should've erased all doubt from those uncertain hearts.
Friday was the last day and contained concluding events such as the Testimony time, the Talent Show, and the Bible Bowl. Ten jr. highers testified that they touched the Lord this week. One testimony nearly broke me when a young boy stood up and said he wasn't sure if he had touched the Lord or not but he had some "things" going on with another boy during the week and he apologized to that boy in front of everyone. Mike told him he had for sure touched God. I was so moved by the power of the Lord and all His grace He bestowed upon us during the week.
Final results: The boys won musical chairs, tug-o-war, and Stephen Watkins and Brad Sprau memorized and recited Matthew chapter 7.
The girls won the Olympics, the Talent Show, the Cleanest Room, the Most Verses Memorized, and Sarah Watkins recited John Chapter 14.
Oh yeah...the boys took back the crown and won the Bible Bowl.
All that aside, the Lord was so real, so awesome, and even when we fell, even when we lacked, even when we were ready to throw in the towel, He picked us up, gave us more, and revived our fight. Jr. High Family Camp 2013 was a victory in Christ.
The goal of the week was to find the Lord. That was the challenge everyone was given especially the jr. high. Jesse gave the opening message which covered the Lord calling Samuel with the call to "Get Up" just like Samuel. They did just that. Bright and early before 7AM the jr. highers in my room were up and restless. Plus I lacked sleep from the heat of the night. I thought this was going to be a long week.
I don't know how it happens, but every year it seems I get stuck with the boys who don't like memorizing verses, who are quiet in small groups, have an extremely hard time listening, but by the end of the week, good things happen that surprise even me.
Rain was a threat throughout the week because it was supposed to be pouring all week. But come Monday morning we all woke up to a blue sky and sunshine. Things seemed promising until during our first activity, which was kickball, the rain started coming down. I asked the girls if they wanted to keep playing and to my surprise they said yes. In 10 minutes the rain stopped and it was sunny the rest of the day. The rain played a huge factor in something special, but I will get back to that later.
By Monday evening I was dead tired and ready to go to bed, but there was still a whole meeting and musical chairs left to go. One thing about the meeting that is different is that it is filled with young kids who aren't embarrassed to let themselves go. They will scream, run around, do conga lines, stand on their chairs, and just go crazy, yet the Spirit of the Lord is also there the presence was strong. Seeing the kids enjoying the Lord was quite refreshing.
Tuesday rolled by with another sunny morning that lasted until approximately 7:30PM. Then the rains came for the rest of the evening. I grew a few extra arms and legs as jr. highers liked to latch onto me.
Wednesday I saw one quiet boy in my group become more talkative and he participated greatly in the pray-reading session. Wednesday was also the long anticipated day of Capture the Flag. In the first half hour, minor injuries such as cuts, bumps, and scrapes began to pile up, but nothing major. This was my first year as a non-participant in CTF because I was the referee with the bullhorn (which I happily used frequently throughout the week to my delight and some others' dismay). I didn't mind so much because I got to go freely all over the camp and witness all the action first hand. The game eventually ended in a draw.
One highlight of today was that I told one boy to stand up during the singing when everyone else was and he said "Fine, but I'm not singing." I told him that was fine and that I just wanted him to stand up. In less than 10 minutes he was on top of his chair singing...got em!
Thursday morning came like a lion, pouring epic amounts of rain on the camp. It was also the day of the Olympics. I gave my message this morning on how the Christian life is a fight. This life isn't easy. The world will throw everything at you, demons will turn people against you, sin will infest and overtake you and giants will rise up in your path. But as long as you have the Lord and put your faith in Him, the world will fade, demons will flee, the devil will cower, and giants will fall.
This was the first year in the last 10 that the first part of the Olympics were held in doors. A bit of a change, but did not vanquish the allure of the games. The boys took the infamous Tug-O-War, but the girls won overall by a score of 15-14.
The rains eventually subsided around 3:00 with a little drizzle here or there throughout the rest of the day. We gave the kids an hour and a half of free time and I had a blast playing two on one b-ball with Luke Wang and William Liu, which led to some crazy put-put and some cool chit-chat. During the actual rest time, I walked up towards the bonfire sight to check the trail and spend some time with the Lord. One of the things I talked to Him about was holding off the rain and not taking this experience away from the jr. highers. Because 9 years ago, that bonfire at jr. high camp was where I had one of my first experiences of touching the Lord.
9:30 came upon us and I was one of the first people up to the fire. At the time there was a light drizzle, but nothing too bad. Then as the very last camper arrived, it started pouring. I thought in my heart "Why are you doing this Lord? Why now?" With that thought upon my heart, suddenly, everyone around the fire began crying out to the Lord, just as Samuel did for the Israelites all those years ago. Within a few minutes, the rain ceased completely and the stars came out. A "Thank You Jesus" chant then arose and that nasty rain never showed his face again that night. Those kids, including myself, witnessed a miracle and should've erased all doubt from those uncertain hearts.
Friday was the last day and contained concluding events such as the Testimony time, the Talent Show, and the Bible Bowl. Ten jr. highers testified that they touched the Lord this week. One testimony nearly broke me when a young boy stood up and said he wasn't sure if he had touched the Lord or not but he had some "things" going on with another boy during the week and he apologized to that boy in front of everyone. Mike told him he had for sure touched God. I was so moved by the power of the Lord and all His grace He bestowed upon us during the week.
Final results: The boys won musical chairs, tug-o-war, and Stephen Watkins and Brad Sprau memorized and recited Matthew chapter 7.
The girls won the Olympics, the Talent Show, the Cleanest Room, the Most Verses Memorized, and Sarah Watkins recited John Chapter 14.
Oh yeah...the boys took back the crown and won the Bible Bowl.
All that aside, the Lord was so real, so awesome, and even when we fell, even when we lacked, even when we were ready to throw in the towel, He picked us up, gave us more, and revived our fight. Jr. High Family Camp 2013 was a victory in Christ.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Two Weeks of Summer is Serenity
I know in the ghosts of blog-posts past I've complained about how much I loathed school and how I longed for the semester to be gone with the wind. Well now that summer vacation in here, I must share a sunny, happy aspect here to portray why I love this season so much.
My first day of freedom was spent getting a much needed 10 hour sleep. I never try to sleep past noon because when I do, it seems like half my day is wasted. The last time I did was after Fall semester finals where I went to bed at 2AM and woke up at 1:30PM thinking it was 11AM. You do the math on that one. And it was uninterrupted. After my slumber, I surfed the web, went out an jumped on my newly assembled trampoline, then cloud-watched on said trampoline, played video games, went to the library, shot hoops, worked out, continued a new hobby (shh it's a secret) and then somewhat repeated that cycle until I finally called it a night. I cannot describe in detail how happy I am with being able to enjoy the simple things in life instead of doing the best I can on tedious tasks I deem unimportant and stress out over a letter of the alphabet that determines how long I will remain in an area of not-fun-ville. But enough of that. Summer is here!
Some of the other things I have enjoyed are two Cleveland Indians games back to back, both exciting and amazing wins, a bonfire with bros, a songfest, some pick-up basketball with the guys, visiting Lakewood park while watching the sunset over Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland while spending time with the Lord and letting my mind wander, watching Iron Man 3, wandering around Crocker Park, and being excited for all the things I am going to do this summer.
Aside from all that, I have a bucket list to conquer. Yes, I have been told that I may be a little young to start one, but now is better than later when I have more responsibilities and other important matters to attend to that will hinder me from enjoying some of the finer things in life. My motto for this experience has been dream big or go home. A lot of it has to deal with travel, even if it was only over the USA, I'd love to see, taste, experience it. To be honest if the chance arose for an adventure to see spectacular things and get away from it all, I'd be all over it faster than a frog's tongue on an unsuspecting fly. No matter what people say, life is too short to wait. No one except the Creator knows when their last breath will be taken. And most importantly, whether you believe it or not, nothing can happen without His approval. Absolutely nothing. I know from first hand experience because I have been severely disappointed many times, but have been blessed maybe even more.
I pray that this summer be thoroughly blessed by the Lord's hand and that the light of Christ may shine brighter than ever before.
My first day of freedom was spent getting a much needed 10 hour sleep. I never try to sleep past noon because when I do, it seems like half my day is wasted. The last time I did was after Fall semester finals where I went to bed at 2AM and woke up at 1:30PM thinking it was 11AM. You do the math on that one. And it was uninterrupted. After my slumber, I surfed the web, went out an jumped on my newly assembled trampoline, then cloud-watched on said trampoline, played video games, went to the library, shot hoops, worked out, continued a new hobby (shh it's a secret) and then somewhat repeated that cycle until I finally called it a night. I cannot describe in detail how happy I am with being able to enjoy the simple things in life instead of doing the best I can on tedious tasks I deem unimportant and stress out over a letter of the alphabet that determines how long I will remain in an area of not-fun-ville. But enough of that. Summer is here!
Some of the other things I have enjoyed are two Cleveland Indians games back to back, both exciting and amazing wins, a bonfire with bros, a songfest, some pick-up basketball with the guys, visiting Lakewood park while watching the sunset over Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland while spending time with the Lord and letting my mind wander, watching Iron Man 3, wandering around Crocker Park, and being excited for all the things I am going to do this summer.
Aside from all that, I have a bucket list to conquer. Yes, I have been told that I may be a little young to start one, but now is better than later when I have more responsibilities and other important matters to attend to that will hinder me from enjoying some of the finer things in life. My motto for this experience has been dream big or go home. A lot of it has to deal with travel, even if it was only over the USA, I'd love to see, taste, experience it. To be honest if the chance arose for an adventure to see spectacular things and get away from it all, I'd be all over it faster than a frog's tongue on an unsuspecting fly. No matter what people say, life is too short to wait. No one except the Creator knows when their last breath will be taken. And most importantly, whether you believe it or not, nothing can happen without His approval. Absolutely nothing. I know from first hand experience because I have been severely disappointed many times, but have been blessed maybe even more.
I pray that this summer be thoroughly blessed by the Lord's hand and that the light of Christ may shine brighter than ever before.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Where Do You Wander?
Where Do You Wander?
By Josh Watkins
Upon what path do
your feet trod O dreamer?
Describe to me the
details of its splendor.
Do you walk upon a
short, dust-filled path?
Where many have
stepped before?
Do you wander upon briers long and twisted as the eye sees fit?
Is thy path endless,
dark and bleak?
Laden with scorching
coals and embers rare?
Are your feet scarred
and slashed by stones forever encased in the dirt?
Is your breath
restrained for fear of avalanche?
Or can you see the
Artist’s horizon?
Where do thy toes
dangle?
Off the gleaming
bricks shaped of gold?
Off the prism’s
guarded treasure?
How far down your
path does your will desire?
Will you reach its
end or will you die along the way?
Is your path lined
with roses of red, daisies of yellow, lilies of lavender?
Do notes of melody
swarm your destination?
Does the star of fire
kiss your skin?
Tell me O dreamer and
please my ears,
Are you trapped upon
a road carved with lies?
Do you wander in
deceit?
Are your feet bound
by guilt and slowed by shame?
Prove me wrong!
Silence my persistent questioning!
Tell me that you walk
along the Way,
That you are running
to the Truth,
That you have
discovered the route of Eternal Life.
So many paths
awaiting your step,
So many vanities at
each end.
Yet one and only one
will satisfy your dreams.
This is the path
Hope,
This is the path of
Life,
This is the path of
Salvation,
This is the path of
Jesus Christ.
I wander this path.
Where do your feet
trod O dreamer?
Monday, April 15, 2013
Boston Bombing: Thoughts and Reflections
September 11, 2001. I was ten years old and had not a care in the world. I had just woken and was about to begin my day of home-schooling when my mom called me over to the TV. She was in shock and said this had happened a few an hours ago. She told me that two planes had hit the World Trade Center. I hadn't the slightest clue of what the World Trade Center was other than it must have been an enormous important building in good ol' NYC. I figured it was just a freak accident and thought nothing more. A few hours later, annoyed that no TV shows were on because the news was showing the same footage over and over, I saw the damage done to the Pentagon and the rubble of the fourth plane in that Pennsylvania field. I knew then this was no accident and that America was under attack. Even though I was well over 150 miles away from the devastation I was scared out of my mind. I figured evil people were about to attack all over the USA, even in my small town of Abbottstown, PA. Thankfully, that fourth plane was the end of it.
That was the first catastrophic event in my lifetime that I could remember as if it was yesterday. It is responsible for the beginnings of my now thriving patriotism for this country. It also opened my eyes to the pain and suffering and pure evil that thrives in this world. But those attacks were only the beginning of many more awful things to come.
2003:The space shuttle Columbia tragedy
2004: The Asian Tsunami disaster
2005: Hurricane Katrina
2006: Bird flu
2007: Virginia Tech Massacre
2009: Swine Flu
2010: Haiti earthquake, BP Oil spill
2011: Japan Earthquake
2012: Hurricane Sandy
2013: Sandy Hook Shooting, Boston Marathon Bombing
These are just some major events that shocked the world, that took the internet by storm, that sparked debates, but also caused strangers to help strangers, and people to rise up for their fellow man. Now some of these tragedies were caused not by man, but by nature. But the one thing they all have in common was that they turned people to God. Every time a catastrophe occurs, the internet blows up with caring comments, tweets, status updates, etc that say "my thoughts and PRAYERS go out to those at (insert location/ disaster here)", "GOD be with those people", and "PRAYING for the victims of..." At the same time, many like to shout "Where is God?" "Why all the suffering?" My response would be what does the Bible, God's Word, say?
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.~Matthew 24:6-8
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.~1 Peter 4:12-19
The Bible clearly states that these things will and must happen and that it should be no surprise. And for those who claim "well that's just your belief", let me just say this. There is good and evil in this world. For there to be good and evil, there has to be a moral code that defines them. For there to be such a code, there has to be a mediator. Man is not capable of setting such a code, yet man knows which is which.
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.~Ecclesiastes 3:11
What does that mean? It means that no matter what walk of life one is from, no matter what race one is, no matter what one believes, God has put himself in man's heart. Just look at the tribal people in the most remote parts of the world. When discovered, they were found to be worshiping gods. No one told them there was a God or gods. But within them, there is a longing.
Going back to today's harrowing tale, while the US has once again been shocked by these horrific events, this was just one major bombing in many years. This sort of thing happens every single day in the Middle East. You can't ignore the smallest pile of trash for fear the moment it shifts, bloody rubble will be everywhere. Thousands of innocent people die daily from suicide bombers, explosives, and other destructive devices, and how often do people respond to it as they did today, or when the school massacres happened, or even during 9/11? The truth of the matter is, that this happens all the time. If you think about it, how can two bombs, planted in areas packed with thousands of people, only end up claiming the lives of three? Look back through time and see how many other attempts have been thwarted, how many nasty storms have died out or altered course before epic damage could be done? Do you really want to know what a Godless world looks like? (Sodom and Gomorrah are prime examples). Think about what would've happened if Hitler actually won WWII...just gives me the shivers thinking about it.
Yes it is sad and devastating that 130 people were hurt and three killed. No one should have to go through anything like that. At the end of the day, what can be done? Revenge? What happens when the perpetrators are caught? Years of trial when the truth is in plain sight? Those families are never going to be the same no matter what happens. The answer is simple. Turn to God. The Maker who gave you and me the breath that we breathe every day. The reason we are still safe, alive, and have made it through all these years. By finding Him first, there we will find peace.
That was the first catastrophic event in my lifetime that I could remember as if it was yesterday. It is responsible for the beginnings of my now thriving patriotism for this country. It also opened my eyes to the pain and suffering and pure evil that thrives in this world. But those attacks were only the beginning of many more awful things to come.
2003:The space shuttle Columbia tragedy
2004: The Asian Tsunami disaster
2005: Hurricane Katrina
2006: Bird flu
2007: Virginia Tech Massacre
2009: Swine Flu
2010: Haiti earthquake, BP Oil spill
2011: Japan Earthquake
2012: Hurricane Sandy
2013: Sandy Hook Shooting, Boston Marathon Bombing
These are just some major events that shocked the world, that took the internet by storm, that sparked debates, but also caused strangers to help strangers, and people to rise up for their fellow man. Now some of these tragedies were caused not by man, but by nature. But the one thing they all have in common was that they turned people to God. Every time a catastrophe occurs, the internet blows up with caring comments, tweets, status updates, etc that say "my thoughts and PRAYERS go out to those at (insert location/ disaster here)", "GOD be with those people", and "PRAYING for the victims of..." At the same time, many like to shout "Where is God?" "Why all the suffering?" My response would be what does the Bible, God's Word, say?
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.~Matthew 24:6-8
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.~1 Peter 4:12-19
The Bible clearly states that these things will and must happen and that it should be no surprise. And for those who claim "well that's just your belief", let me just say this. There is good and evil in this world. For there to be good and evil, there has to be a moral code that defines them. For there to be such a code, there has to be a mediator. Man is not capable of setting such a code, yet man knows which is which.
He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also set eternity in their heart, yet so that man will not find out the work which God has done from the beginning even to the end.~Ecclesiastes 3:11
What does that mean? It means that no matter what walk of life one is from, no matter what race one is, no matter what one believes, God has put himself in man's heart. Just look at the tribal people in the most remote parts of the world. When discovered, they were found to be worshiping gods. No one told them there was a God or gods. But within them, there is a longing.
Going back to today's harrowing tale, while the US has once again been shocked by these horrific events, this was just one major bombing in many years. This sort of thing happens every single day in the Middle East. You can't ignore the smallest pile of trash for fear the moment it shifts, bloody rubble will be everywhere. Thousands of innocent people die daily from suicide bombers, explosives, and other destructive devices, and how often do people respond to it as they did today, or when the school massacres happened, or even during 9/11? The truth of the matter is, that this happens all the time. If you think about it, how can two bombs, planted in areas packed with thousands of people, only end up claiming the lives of three? Look back through time and see how many other attempts have been thwarted, how many nasty storms have died out or altered course before epic damage could be done? Do you really want to know what a Godless world looks like? (Sodom and Gomorrah are prime examples). Think about what would've happened if Hitler actually won WWII...just gives me the shivers thinking about it.
Yes it is sad and devastating that 130 people were hurt and three killed. No one should have to go through anything like that. At the end of the day, what can be done? Revenge? What happens when the perpetrators are caught? Years of trial when the truth is in plain sight? Those families are never going to be the same no matter what happens. The answer is simple. Turn to God. The Maker who gave you and me the breath that we breathe every day. The reason we are still safe, alive, and have made it through all these years. By finding Him first, there we will find peace.
remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace.~Ephesians 2:12-15
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Almost there: Tales of a Heavy Heart
Four and a half weeks. All that's left of this dreary semester. I'll be happy when it's all over. But I'm not going to waste a perfectly good post by complaining. That's something I try not to do so because there's no need to bring others down.
My true intentions for this post are because of the weight my heart has been carrying. I hate conflict, I hate dealing with other peoples' messes, and most of the time I don't feel like going out of my way for someone who doesn't even realize how far gone they are. But the truth of the matter is that I have the Eternal Life inside of me and this life shaped me into who I was, who I am, and who I will be. Even when all of me screams to not care, I just look at people. I see how much I truly have and how much they do not. It's that moment then and there that I can't help but care.
Jesus cared for thousands upon thousands (if not millions) of people when he was on this earth. What did He get in return? Beat. Tortured. Mocked. Hated. The cross. Did He spit cursing fire? Did He raise His hand to strike His enemies? Did He hurt those who oppressed Him? No. He loved them even more. Dying there on that tree, His love only grew to the point that It's limit was erased. To the point where It overcame the only thing man truly fears because man himself cannot overcome it alone. That is death. He resurrected and freed the entire human race from the bonds of sin and lives to this very day, calling out to people in a way that they must BELIEVE and have FAITH that He is there so He and they can be one.
Because of this, I care for people. Even when I don't want to, I rarely say no. And let me tell you, I pray for a lot of people. Some for 7+ years. And right now my heart is heavy. Heavy because so many people near and dear to me are just going through a lot. Some have a scary illness. Some are losing hope. Some have turned away from God. Some are struggling in life. Some have been through tragedies. Some continue or do not realize to sin in an open, unrepentant way and that very thing is either driving them away or keeping them from God. Some need saved. I think about these people and their needs daily. I pray for them again and again, not giving up hope. Because the Lord never gave up on us.
I'm not perfect. I never was and won't be until He makes me perfect. I cry inside when I think about some of these ones and their problems. I see them crying out and it kills me because I've given them the only thing that will help them and they reject It because this world has blinded them from Salvation.
I also see all the garbage posted on facebook and the stuff people talk about posting on twitter and every bone in my body aches to put in my two cents...but I don't. It will always lead to an argument that ends up going nowhere and it's only going to happen again and again and again. So what happens next? During my one year Christian internship, our group had to do a presentation on Hezekiah (amazing man of God). One of the members of our group was touched by the part on the idols and came to a realization that "if you tear down people's idols, they'll build them back up. But if you give them Jesus, they will tear down their own idols." How true those words are. Some of you may be thinking... "Ha I don't have any idols/statue thingys that I worship." Truth is, idols aren't just carved images. They're the things that hold our hearts. The time we spend working, investing, researching to make money. Money can be an idol. That fancy car you saved all your life for can be an idol. The clothes you wear, the amount of alcohol you drink, your career, even the opposite sex. I'm not saying these things are bad, but that they can become bad if they turn you away from what really matters.
Truth be told, I don't just pray about those in dire situations. I pray for some who have babies on the way. Some who, like me, want to bring their friends to Jesus. Some who need a job. Some who are looking for a spouse. Some who are trying to finish this semester well. Some who are talking to friends, have bible studies, holding church meetings, giving messages, planning conferences...the list goes on.
I'm putting this all out there because Encouragement can go along way. Sharing my cares and burdens can ease those of others. Because maybe you see yourself as one of the people described above and I want you to know that even though I may not always show it, I deeply care about you in more ways than you know. And if I have offended any of you, then I apologize because that wasn't my intention. My heart may be weary, but His love never runs out. He didn't give up on us, so I won't give up on those around me.
My true intentions for this post are because of the weight my heart has been carrying. I hate conflict, I hate dealing with other peoples' messes, and most of the time I don't feel like going out of my way for someone who doesn't even realize how far gone they are. But the truth of the matter is that I have the Eternal Life inside of me and this life shaped me into who I was, who I am, and who I will be. Even when all of me screams to not care, I just look at people. I see how much I truly have and how much they do not. It's that moment then and there that I can't help but care.
Jesus cared for thousands upon thousands (if not millions) of people when he was on this earth. What did He get in return? Beat. Tortured. Mocked. Hated. The cross. Did He spit cursing fire? Did He raise His hand to strike His enemies? Did He hurt those who oppressed Him? No. He loved them even more. Dying there on that tree, His love only grew to the point that It's limit was erased. To the point where It overcame the only thing man truly fears because man himself cannot overcome it alone. That is death. He resurrected and freed the entire human race from the bonds of sin and lives to this very day, calling out to people in a way that they must BELIEVE and have FAITH that He is there so He and they can be one.
Because of this, I care for people. Even when I don't want to, I rarely say no. And let me tell you, I pray for a lot of people. Some for 7+ years. And right now my heart is heavy. Heavy because so many people near and dear to me are just going through a lot. Some have a scary illness. Some are losing hope. Some have turned away from God. Some are struggling in life. Some have been through tragedies. Some continue or do not realize to sin in an open, unrepentant way and that very thing is either driving them away or keeping them from God. Some need saved. I think about these people and their needs daily. I pray for them again and again, not giving up hope. Because the Lord never gave up on us.
I'm not perfect. I never was and won't be until He makes me perfect. I cry inside when I think about some of these ones and their problems. I see them crying out and it kills me because I've given them the only thing that will help them and they reject It because this world has blinded them from Salvation.
I also see all the garbage posted on facebook and the stuff people talk about posting on twitter and every bone in my body aches to put in my two cents...but I don't. It will always lead to an argument that ends up going nowhere and it's only going to happen again and again and again. So what happens next? During my one year Christian internship, our group had to do a presentation on Hezekiah (amazing man of God). One of the members of our group was touched by the part on the idols and came to a realization that "if you tear down people's idols, they'll build them back up. But if you give them Jesus, they will tear down their own idols." How true those words are. Some of you may be thinking... "Ha I don't have any idols/statue thingys that I worship." Truth is, idols aren't just carved images. They're the things that hold our hearts. The time we spend working, investing, researching to make money. Money can be an idol. That fancy car you saved all your life for can be an idol. The clothes you wear, the amount of alcohol you drink, your career, even the opposite sex. I'm not saying these things are bad, but that they can become bad if they turn you away from what really matters.
Truth be told, I don't just pray about those in dire situations. I pray for some who have babies on the way. Some who, like me, want to bring their friends to Jesus. Some who need a job. Some who are looking for a spouse. Some who are trying to finish this semester well. Some who are talking to friends, have bible studies, holding church meetings, giving messages, planning conferences...the list goes on.
I'm putting this all out there because Encouragement can go along way. Sharing my cares and burdens can ease those of others. Because maybe you see yourself as one of the people described above and I want you to know that even though I may not always show it, I deeply care about you in more ways than you know. And if I have offended any of you, then I apologize because that wasn't my intention. My heart may be weary, but His love never runs out. He didn't give up on us, so I won't give up on those around me.
Isaiah 41:10
'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."
Isaiah 43:2
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you."
Thursday, March 7, 2013
About Me: Dost Thou Knowest Me?
Fact: I enjoy making lists. Fact: I enjoy completing lists. Fact: I love crossing things off lists. So y'all are in for a little treat because I am going to give you not one, not two, but THREE lists about myself. And it'll be a door for interesting conversation down the road. Without further ado, I give you The Lists.
Ten Childhood Dreams
1. I wanted to be a fighter pilot
2. I wanted to invent rocket powered roller blades
3. I wanted a mansion by the sea.
4. I wanted to be a star basketball player
5. I wanted to build and race a car around the world.
6. I wanted to tame a squirrel and carry him around on my shoulder.
7. I wanted to create the best arcade in the world.
8. I wanted a dog like Lassie or Balto or Air Bud
9. I wanted to go to LegoLand
10. I wanted my own room.
Seven Current Dreams
1. To see the world (Especially Italy)
2. Own a 1970 Chevelle SS
3. Fly a fighter jet
4. Take a road trip across the good ole U.S.of A.
5. Dream job of restoring classic cars.
6. Tame a squirrel and carry him around on my shoulder.
7. Complete my bucket list.
Ten Random Facts:
1. I love to talk, especially about sports
2. Turned my bedroom into an inexpensive man cave.
3. The people in my life make me happy more than they know.
4. You say Ultimate, I say "I'm there."
5. The stars fascinate me (I could spend hours looking at them).
6. I collect things and have a lot of collections.
7. I caught a half-wild/half tame rabbit with my bare hands.
8. I blew up a fire cracker less than an inch from my hand
9. I love country music
10. I make lists.
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